Aerial Run – Valleys of the Earth (2011)

Finally! And American act that can rival European bands in the lands of dark Folk/Neo-Folk music. Aerial Run’s latest offering “Valleys of the Earth” delivers a very engaging and ethereal album that will surely gain them some comparisons to: Ulver (very early), Empyrium (a bit less dark and lush), The Moon And The Nightspirit, and similar bands.

The album starts with the very somber “Amends”, this track nicely features lush acoustic guitars and very depressing vocals. While the album is not reeking of originality, all compositions in this release are very pleasing a ranging between different moods. The album nicely builds up and around track six; we have ‘faster’ paced sections that unsettle the flow (in a good way).

The only track that feels a bit out of place in this release is “Stenmarcas”, this song feels like a glorified experimental filler track. Closing the release we have “This Place”, a very simple yet eerie track that nicely closes a very enjoyable release.

“Valleys of the Earth” is a very solid release that provides listeners with around 45 minutes of engaging Folk/Neo-Folk music. If you are looking for a ‘brutal’ album, stay away and get something else. However, if you like European Folk/Neo-Folk bands give Areial Run a try, you will not be disappointed.

Release: April 26th, 2011

Country: USA